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Fast Track to Glory
***FINALIST IN THE 2016 READERS' FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD CONTEST***
***Named by IndieReader as THE BEST indie book of 2016 in an Action/Adventure category***
A long-lost artefact... Nina Monte has worked hard to achieve her dreams. At thirty-six she’s one of Italy’s youngest professors, and renowned for her knowledge of the ancient world. Old religious texts might make for lonely companions at night, but that’s nothing a bottle of fine wine can’t fix.
When a mysterious summons presents a career-making opportunity, Nina can’t resist. A relic has been found in a 15th Century galley and it’s the kind of discovery encountered once in a lifetime. But floating atop the depths of Lake Garda at the recovery site, Nina senses something is amiss.
A race to unveil the mystery... With local hotelier, Alessandro Pini at her side, she begins to unravel the truth surrounding the relic. She soon realizes that questions of the past pale in comparison to the dangers looming in the present.
A ruthless treasure hunter... The mystical object in Nina’s hands is no trinket; it has the power to change humanity’s perception of existence. MANY BELIEVE A GIFT LIKE THAT IS WORTHY DYING—OR KILLING—FOR.
“ Fast Track To Glory is a tautly woven thriller … There’s history, religion, plenty of action, and rich descriptions of foreign places … Exotic sights, sounds and smells are described in sufficient detail such that they’re almost tangible, transporting readers to a special place where each new page heightens both the expectation and the odyssey.” – Marta Tandori for Readers' Favorite
"A well-constructed, action-packed novel." - Kirkus Reviews
"Thriller fans who relish international intrigue and settings won't want the story line to end ... Those who bask in complex and thoroughly engrossing reads will find Fast Track to Glory an outstanding choice." - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
***Named by IndieReader as THE BEST indie book of 2016 in an Action/Adventure category***
A long-lost artefact... Nina Monte has worked hard to achieve her dreams. At thirty-six she’s one of Italy’s youngest professors, and renowned for her knowledge of the ancient world. Old religious texts might make for lonely companions at night, but that’s nothing a bottle of fine wine can’t fix.
When a mysterious summons presents a career-making opportunity, Nina can’t resist. A relic has been found in a 15th Century galley and it’s the kind of discovery encountered once in a lifetime. But floating atop the depths of Lake Garda at the recovery site, Nina senses something is amiss.
A race to unveil the mystery... With local hotelier, Alessandro Pini at her side, she begins to unravel the truth surrounding the relic. She soon realizes that questions of the past pale in comparison to the dangers looming in the present.
A ruthless treasure hunter... The mystical object in Nina’s hands is no trinket; it has the power to change humanity’s perception of existence. MANY BELIEVE A GIFT LIKE THAT IS WORTHY DYING—OR KILLING—FOR.
“ Fast Track To Glory is a tautly woven thriller … There’s history, religion, plenty of action, and rich descriptions of foreign places … Exotic sights, sounds and smells are described in sufficient detail such that they’re almost tangible, transporting readers to a special place where each new page heightens both the expectation and the odyssey.” – Marta Tandori for Readers' Favorite
"A well-constructed, action-packed novel." - Kirkus Reviews
"Thriller fans who relish international intrigue and settings won't want the story line to end ... Those who bask in complex and thoroughly engrossing reads will find Fast Track to Glory an outstanding choice." - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2016
90 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Tomasz Chrusciel
3 books33 followersTomasz Chrusciel wrote his first story at sixteen, but it would take another twenty years for his love affair with writing to become the central focus in his life.
After obtaining a master’s degree in Political Science & International Relations in Poland, Chrusciel found himself in the corporate sector. The work stoked his passion for global politics, but his imagination craved greater freedom. After moving to Ireland and falling in love, he finally left his job to become a full-time fiction author.
His debut novel "Illusive Intrusion" was followed by "Fast Track to Glory" and "The Vestals Conspiracy," which have since earned Chrusciel a dedicated readership that continues to grow each day.
Wanderlust regularly draws the writer to extreme corners of the globe seeking new settings, personalities and historical events to inspire his next novel. When he isn’t researching destinations or convincing his cat-loving fiancée to let him adopt a dog, he’s at his computer furiously typing his latest scene, or chatting with his readers on social media.
Find him at tomaszchrusciel.com if you’d like to join the conversation.
After obtaining a master’s degree in Political Science & International Relations in Poland, Chrusciel found himself in the corporate sector. The work stoked his passion for global politics, but his imagination craved greater freedom. After moving to Ireland and falling in love, he finally left his job to become a full-time fiction author.
His debut novel "Illusive Intrusion" was followed by "Fast Track to Glory" and "The Vestals Conspiracy," which have since earned Chrusciel a dedicated readership that continues to grow each day.
Wanderlust regularly draws the writer to extreme corners of the globe seeking new settings, personalities and historical events to inspire his next novel. When he isn’t researching destinations or convincing his cat-loving fiancée to let him adopt a dog, he’s at his computer furiously typing his latest scene, or chatting with his readers on social media.
Find him at tomaszchrusciel.com if you’d like to join the conversation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 22, 2017
Fast Track to Glory by Tomasz Chrusciel is an exceptional around the world quest for knowledge. Technically, this brilliant novel is a thriller, though not quite like any other I’ve read.
The story begins in Germany, before taking the reader on a whirlwind tour of Italy, Austria and India. Nina Monte, an Italian professor teaching at the History of Religions and the Ancient Worlds department in Padua, believes she’s been asked by the Italian Ministry of Culture to verify the authenticity of a relic recovered from a fifteenth-century shipwreck in Lake Garda. She’s consulted on antiquities cases before and has no reason to be suspicious of the request. She arrives at the Heidelburg Castle in Germany to examine this mysterious object, only to discover it has not yet been excavated from the maritime shipwreck. She’s sent to Italy to meet up with a member of the team responsible for recovering the artefact. When her contact person tries to kidnap then kill her, she realizes she’s been lured into a trap. But why?
The readers – alongside Nina – have to figure out why someone is prepared to murder and steal in order to obtain this relic, as well as discover the truth behind its alleged hidden powers. I’m going to have to stop describing the specific details of the story now for fear of spoiling any of the many plots twists in this book, which are what make it such an excellent and captivating read.
In the beginning of the novel, the villain seems to want the relic in order to achieve a higher spiritual power. During train, plane and automobile rides, the two main characters – Nina and Allessandro, a young hotelier from Malcesine and Nina’s unintentional partner on this journey – often discuss the implications of deciphering this relic’s supposed powers, within the context of spirituality, philosophy and religion.
I’m not a ‘new age’ type and the first few chapters, in which characters discuss the various interpretations of the relics true powers, had me concerned that this was going to get too spiritual for my tastes. I’m glad to say the author doesn’t overdo it. Rather, he uses the relic as a way of sharing various points of view and leaves it up to the reader to decide what to think, instead of shoving his perspective down your throat. Funny enough, the most popular highlighted passage in this book, according to my Kindle copy, is: “Every person wants to live in peace and abundance. What is different is the meaning of those things to each of us.”
Besides, the villian’s real reason for starting this quest is so smart and surprising down-to-earth, when it was finally revealed, I gained even more respect for the author.
Tomasz Chrusciel is a quite adept at misleading the reader. From the first page onwards, nothing is as it seems. In some books, this constant misdirection can be irritating. Yet in Fast Track to Glory, this technique works well, adding tension to the story and helping to keep the reader continually engaged with the plotline.
In contrast to most art history conspiracy novels, there are no long codes to decipher, a complex puzzle to solve or a lost language to learn; it’s more of a race to obtain the relic and then decipher it. Both the good and bad guys know who can read it; they just have to find that person.
It’s also unlike most thrillers and art conspiracy novels I’ve read, in that the spiritual quest and physical journey are almost more important to the story than the race to decode the artefact.
And what a quest it is. The author’s descriptions of architecture, people, manner of dress, landscapes, and even train stations, transport the reader to a series of beautiful and interesting locations. Once you get through with this book, you’ll be longing to pack your bags and visit the destinations the author so loving describes.
The many cities the characters visit are described in much more detail than your typical thriller or action-oriented novel, without slowing down the story or turning into a travelogue. These are tight and well-written, using all five senses to make each place come to life. You get the strong sense the author has spent time in all of the places he describes; his eye for detail is incredible.
Now onto our around the world journey. The story starts out at Heidelberg Castle before moving to Milan, Italy. There he paints a clear picture of the main square and the Duomo di Milano (a church in Milan) in particular; the white and pink marble exterior, snap-happy tourists, religious iconography and stained glass windows.
Next stop is the gorgeous Northern Italian town of Malcesine on Lake Garda. In addition to describing the lovely villages that dot the wide lake, the author also provides an interesting account of a character’s dives among ship wrecks.
Then we are off to Innsbruck, Austria via train, where the white peaks of the Alps dominate the skyline. Old Town and its gothic and baroque facades, Court Church, the tombs of Emperor Maximilian I, cuckoo clocks, homemade liquors, and even the smells of the strudels are recounted.
Last stop, India, where the characters are immediately thrown into the hustle and bustle of Jaipur. The suburban metropolis is awash with overfull buses, slow-going lorries, tuk-tuks, bicycles, motorists, mobile snack bars, scooters, and pedestrians, all fighting for space on the narrow roadways the main characters travel on to reach their destination, the location of the person who can decipher the object.
As I already mentioned, the author uses the context of a religious relic to take the reader on a search for enlightenment, and the story aptly ends in Varanasi, India on the Ganges River during a festival of light. You can feel the water lapping at your feet, hear thousands of chanting worshippers and smell the burning incense mixed with body odor wafting through the air.
This is my favorite kind of novel, one that takes me on a mental journey and travel adventure simultaneously. It’s also a real page turner, for as much to see how the story develops as the desire to know where the author will take us next.
This smart, well-written and highly enjoyable story will entertain lovers of thrillers, art conspiracy novels, and travel fiction alike. I highly recommend it.
The story begins in Germany, before taking the reader on a whirlwind tour of Italy, Austria and India. Nina Monte, an Italian professor teaching at the History of Religions and the Ancient Worlds department in Padua, believes she’s been asked by the Italian Ministry of Culture to verify the authenticity of a relic recovered from a fifteenth-century shipwreck in Lake Garda. She’s consulted on antiquities cases before and has no reason to be suspicious of the request. She arrives at the Heidelburg Castle in Germany to examine this mysterious object, only to discover it has not yet been excavated from the maritime shipwreck. She’s sent to Italy to meet up with a member of the team responsible for recovering the artefact. When her contact person tries to kidnap then kill her, she realizes she’s been lured into a trap. But why?
The readers – alongside Nina – have to figure out why someone is prepared to murder and steal in order to obtain this relic, as well as discover the truth behind its alleged hidden powers. I’m going to have to stop describing the specific details of the story now for fear of spoiling any of the many plots twists in this book, which are what make it such an excellent and captivating read.
In the beginning of the novel, the villain seems to want the relic in order to achieve a higher spiritual power. During train, plane and automobile rides, the two main characters – Nina and Allessandro, a young hotelier from Malcesine and Nina’s unintentional partner on this journey – often discuss the implications of deciphering this relic’s supposed powers, within the context of spirituality, philosophy and religion.
I’m not a ‘new age’ type and the first few chapters, in which characters discuss the various interpretations of the relics true powers, had me concerned that this was going to get too spiritual for my tastes. I’m glad to say the author doesn’t overdo it. Rather, he uses the relic as a way of sharing various points of view and leaves it up to the reader to decide what to think, instead of shoving his perspective down your throat. Funny enough, the most popular highlighted passage in this book, according to my Kindle copy, is: “Every person wants to live in peace and abundance. What is different is the meaning of those things to each of us.”
Besides, the villian’s real reason for starting this quest is so smart and surprising down-to-earth, when it was finally revealed, I gained even more respect for the author.
Tomasz Chrusciel is a quite adept at misleading the reader. From the first page onwards, nothing is as it seems. In some books, this constant misdirection can be irritating. Yet in Fast Track to Glory, this technique works well, adding tension to the story and helping to keep the reader continually engaged with the plotline.
In contrast to most art history conspiracy novels, there are no long codes to decipher, a complex puzzle to solve or a lost language to learn; it’s more of a race to obtain the relic and then decipher it. Both the good and bad guys know who can read it; they just have to find that person.
It’s also unlike most thrillers and art conspiracy novels I’ve read, in that the spiritual quest and physical journey are almost more important to the story than the race to decode the artefact.
And what a quest it is. The author’s descriptions of architecture, people, manner of dress, landscapes, and even train stations, transport the reader to a series of beautiful and interesting locations. Once you get through with this book, you’ll be longing to pack your bags and visit the destinations the author so loving describes.
The many cities the characters visit are described in much more detail than your typical thriller or action-oriented novel, without slowing down the story or turning into a travelogue. These are tight and well-written, using all five senses to make each place come to life. You get the strong sense the author has spent time in all of the places he describes; his eye for detail is incredible.
Now onto our around the world journey. The story starts out at Heidelberg Castle before moving to Milan, Italy. There he paints a clear picture of the main square and the Duomo di Milano (a church in Milan) in particular; the white and pink marble exterior, snap-happy tourists, religious iconography and stained glass windows.
Next stop is the gorgeous Northern Italian town of Malcesine on Lake Garda. In addition to describing the lovely villages that dot the wide lake, the author also provides an interesting account of a character’s dives among ship wrecks.
Then we are off to Innsbruck, Austria via train, where the white peaks of the Alps dominate the skyline. Old Town and its gothic and baroque facades, Court Church, the tombs of Emperor Maximilian I, cuckoo clocks, homemade liquors, and even the smells of the strudels are recounted.
Last stop, India, where the characters are immediately thrown into the hustle and bustle of Jaipur. The suburban metropolis is awash with overfull buses, slow-going lorries, tuk-tuks, bicycles, motorists, mobile snack bars, scooters, and pedestrians, all fighting for space on the narrow roadways the main characters travel on to reach their destination, the location of the person who can decipher the object.
As I already mentioned, the author uses the context of a religious relic to take the reader on a search for enlightenment, and the story aptly ends in Varanasi, India on the Ganges River during a festival of light. You can feel the water lapping at your feet, hear thousands of chanting worshippers and smell the burning incense mixed with body odor wafting through the air.
This is my favorite kind of novel, one that takes me on a mental journey and travel adventure simultaneously. It’s also a real page turner, for as much to see how the story develops as the desire to know where the author will take us next.
This smart, well-written and highly enjoyable story will entertain lovers of thrillers, art conspiracy novels, and travel fiction alike. I highly recommend it.
October 12, 2016
Such a powerful and exciting adventure. I just had to keep reading until I was finished. It kept me on the edge of my seat. The traveling was wonderful. Learning snippets of several cultures and locations. Nina as strong brilliant and funny. Alessandro was so human and caring. The was a hero and a beautiful heart. This book is an amazing read.
There was imminent danger, kidnappings, deception, and the search for the fast track. I really enjoyed this book. It has everything I like included. If you love a good action packed book that takes you to amazing places and a search for artifacts, you will love this book. Well written and engrossing. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There was imminent danger, kidnappings, deception, and the search for the fast track. I really enjoyed this book. It has everything I like included. If you love a good action packed book that takes you to amazing places and a search for artifacts, you will love this book. Well written and engrossing. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2017
Signora Nina Monte (36, U of Padua professor; history of religions, Dept. of Historical & Geographic Sciences & the Ancient World) had an invitation to attend a gala event at the Heidelberg Castle.
Signor Massimo Campana was the host.
The other 2 guests were: Herr Christoph Gerst (German Ministry of Education, Science & Culture) & Monsieur Julien Traverse (French Ministry of Culture & Communication, Defense).
She was explaining the history of the 15th. Century galley Santa Lucia that sunk somewhere in Lake Garda.
Mr. Lammert van der Venn (52) & his crew of underwater exploration experts are quite sure they can locate/salvage most of its belongings or treasures.
He had quite the resume.
Cardinal Vittorio Ermanno Esposito is also to be informed of the expedition.
Sean (bartender) had found Gianluigi (55+, Chef, bar patron) dead.
Alessandro Pini (hotelier) wanted Inspector Raffaele Lombardi (Malcesine PD), to arrest Mr. Lammert van der Venn & keep a very watchful eye on Nina.
Alessandro & Nina however were headed for Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberg, Germany).
The question is, is there a conspiracy?
Cardinal Esposito had spoken with Nina.
The 2 were staying at the Innsbruck B&B & were to meet tomorrow at the Court Church.
Massimo, Christoph, & Julien had a tablet they wanted Nina to authenticate.
What happened to Alessandro?
What happened to Cardinal Esposito?
Who is behind this master mind scheme?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Agato House; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Signor Massimo Campana was the host.
The other 2 guests were: Herr Christoph Gerst (German Ministry of Education, Science & Culture) & Monsieur Julien Traverse (French Ministry of Culture & Communication, Defense).
She was explaining the history of the 15th. Century galley Santa Lucia that sunk somewhere in Lake Garda.
Mr. Lammert van der Venn (52) & his crew of underwater exploration experts are quite sure they can locate/salvage most of its belongings or treasures.
He had quite the resume.
Cardinal Vittorio Ermanno Esposito is also to be informed of the expedition.
Sean (bartender) had found Gianluigi (55+, Chef, bar patron) dead.
Alessandro Pini (hotelier) wanted Inspector Raffaele Lombardi (Malcesine PD), to arrest Mr. Lammert van der Venn & keep a very watchful eye on Nina.
Alessandro & Nina however were headed for Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberg, Germany).
The question is, is there a conspiracy?
Cardinal Esposito had spoken with Nina.
The 2 were staying at the Innsbruck B&B & were to meet tomorrow at the Court Church.
Massimo, Christoph, & Julien had a tablet they wanted Nina to authenticate.
What happened to Alessandro?
What happened to Cardinal Esposito?
Who is behind this master mind scheme?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Agato House; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
January 11, 2016
Fast Track to Glory by Tomasz Chrusciel is a tautly-woven thriller somewhat reminiscent of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Very few people have the privilege of being called upon to offer their professional expertise and when Nina Monte, Professor of History of Religions at the Department of Historical and Geographic Sciences and the Ancient World at the University of Padua is called upon to do so by the Ministry, she feels hard-pressed to refuse. Nina is tasked with a top secret mission; verifying the authenticity of an ancient artifact currently located inside an old sunken galley lying at the bottom of Lake Garda. Sweetening the Ministry’s request is the promise of a large ‘gift’ to her university as well as a personal reward to her. Heading up the underwater recovery of the artifact is Lammert van der Venn, a wealthy collector and his crew. However, once Nina arrives at Lake Garda and before she even meets van der Venn, she runs into a distraught local hotelier, Alessandro Pini, who wants a meeting with the wealthy collector in order to question him regarding the death of his chef and beloved friend. Apparently, van der Venn had been the last man to see his chef alive. Before Nina or Alessandro fully understand what has happened, they are both on the run, leaving Italy behind as they head for India, relentlessly pursued by a ruthless madman who will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants.
Substitute Brown’s suave symbologist, Robert Langdon, with Chrusciel’s gutsy Nina Monte, and you’ve got a fully-formed protagonist who can kick ass with the best of her male counterparts. Like Langdon, Monte knows her stuff and isn’t the type to roll over in the face of adversity – and the adversity comes fast and furious. Monte’s brain is tempered nicely at the beginning by her vulnerability that arises from her seeming inability to find the perfect mate. Hotelier, Alessandro Pini, provides a good foil for the more dedicated and mature Monte. He is a little brash, a little immature but in some respects, has more self-confidence than the more reticent Nina yet there’s no denying the chemistry between the two which is important as the story progresses. And what a story it is! There’s history, religion, plenty of action and rich descriptions of foreign places which keep the readers’ imaginations fertile and their interests engaged throughout. While Chrusciel’s prose is taut and succinct, there’s a bounty of adjectives which lend themselves to heightening an already top-notch story worthy of an Indiana Jones adventure. Exotic sights, sounds and smells are described in sufficient detail such that they’re almost tangible, exporting readers to a special place where each new page heightens both the expectation and the odyssey. Whether you buy into the artifact or the meaning behind it is immaterial. Fast Track to Glory is a fast track to the afterglow that is sure to come from such a great read!
Substitute Brown’s suave symbologist, Robert Langdon, with Chrusciel’s gutsy Nina Monte, and you’ve got a fully-formed protagonist who can kick ass with the best of her male counterparts. Like Langdon, Monte knows her stuff and isn’t the type to roll over in the face of adversity – and the adversity comes fast and furious. Monte’s brain is tempered nicely at the beginning by her vulnerability that arises from her seeming inability to find the perfect mate. Hotelier, Alessandro Pini, provides a good foil for the more dedicated and mature Monte. He is a little brash, a little immature but in some respects, has more self-confidence than the more reticent Nina yet there’s no denying the chemistry between the two which is important as the story progresses. And what a story it is! There’s history, religion, plenty of action and rich descriptions of foreign places which keep the readers’ imaginations fertile and their interests engaged throughout. While Chrusciel’s prose is taut and succinct, there’s a bounty of adjectives which lend themselves to heightening an already top-notch story worthy of an Indiana Jones adventure. Exotic sights, sounds and smells are described in sufficient detail such that they’re almost tangible, exporting readers to a special place where each new page heightens both the expectation and the odyssey. Whether you buy into the artifact or the meaning behind it is immaterial. Fast Track to Glory is a fast track to the afterglow that is sure to come from such a great read!
February 6, 2016
I'd like to start off this review by thanking the author, Tomasz Chrusciel, for sending me this book. I really appreciate receiving this awesome book! Now, back to the review.
"A Fast Track to Glory" was a fast paced, intense, suspenseful, mysterious and intriguing novel. Fans of Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol" will love this book because it brings the same concepts and atmosphere. I truly enjoyed this book. It had a bit of everything. It starts off very confusing, in the middle of the scene. We scratch our heads trying to figure out what is happening and slowly everything is revealed throughout the book. There's romance, there's different perspectives, there's drama, and more! I was sitting on the edge of my seat for many scenes.
The aspect that I enjoyed the most of this book was how they connected different points. Reading this book was like solving a mystery. I liked how they incorporated god, religion, and different points in history that go with and against the artifact. It had me gasping and it really surprised me. It made me think of things in a different way. I also liked how this book had little quirky scenes which literally make you laugh out loud. For example, when they were talking about how the rock could make everyone smarter, faster, and better and then Alessandro was skeptical so Nina asked if he ever thought beyond the mundane and he replies, "I do, but not before my third espresso." So funny!
If I could change anything about the book, I would change a few things. I felt like the beginning of the story was extremely confusing. Although it works out at the end, it's still very difficult for the reader to stay hooked and pay attention because we are unable to keep up with what is happening. Maybe adding some background or more character thoughts could clear that up. Also, label whose perspective each chapter is being told from because although it is pretty straightforward, it would have helped at the beginning. Furthermore, I felt like when they went to India, the storyline got a little bland. It was going very well but then I felt as if it got very slow. There were a few chapters where it was truly just dragging on and it could have been replaced with something more solid.
My favourite quote (which I'm still pondering upon) would be: "Enhancing abilities of human intelligence is all science, pure and explainable chemical reactions happening in our brains. There's nothing left here for speculation." Just a taste of the intriguing questions raised in this book. Anyone who likes to think about things while reading would love this book!
Overall, this book is a great book to read and I would truly recommend it to fans of Dan Brown, and anyone who likes a good action-packed book with high action.
"A Fast Track to Glory" was a fast paced, intense, suspenseful, mysterious and intriguing novel. Fans of Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol" will love this book because it brings the same concepts and atmosphere. I truly enjoyed this book. It had a bit of everything. It starts off very confusing, in the middle of the scene. We scratch our heads trying to figure out what is happening and slowly everything is revealed throughout the book. There's romance, there's different perspectives, there's drama, and more! I was sitting on the edge of my seat for many scenes.
The aspect that I enjoyed the most of this book was how they connected different points. Reading this book was like solving a mystery. I liked how they incorporated god, religion, and different points in history that go with and against the artifact. It had me gasping and it really surprised me. It made me think of things in a different way. I also liked how this book had little quirky scenes which literally make you laugh out loud. For example, when they were talking about how the rock could make everyone smarter, faster, and better and then Alessandro was skeptical so Nina asked if he ever thought beyond the mundane and he replies, "I do, but not before my third espresso." So funny!
If I could change anything about the book, I would change a few things. I felt like the beginning of the story was extremely confusing. Although it works out at the end, it's still very difficult for the reader to stay hooked and pay attention because we are unable to keep up with what is happening. Maybe adding some background or more character thoughts could clear that up. Also, label whose perspective each chapter is being told from because although it is pretty straightforward, it would have helped at the beginning. Furthermore, I felt like when they went to India, the storyline got a little bland. It was going very well but then I felt as if it got very slow. There were a few chapters where it was truly just dragging on and it could have been replaced with something more solid.
My favourite quote (which I'm still pondering upon) would be: "Enhancing abilities of human intelligence is all science, pure and explainable chemical reactions happening in our brains. There's nothing left here for speculation." Just a taste of the intriguing questions raised in this book. Anyone who likes to think about things while reading would love this book!
Overall, this book is a great book to read and I would truly recommend it to fans of Dan Brown, and anyone who likes a good action-packed book with high action.
August 15, 2017
This book was extremely well written. There were unusual story developments that I've never read in any other thrillers (not that I read many), which made the story more believable and more relatable to me. It made me feel like how Nina reacted to her situation would be similar to how I would react if I were in her position. That made this story much more enjoyable for me. It kept each character within their range of capabilities, instead of having them "rise to the occasion" and push the limits of a person's endurance that seems to be the staple of the thriller genre. The characters' fear and exhaustion were almost palpable.
There were some phrases that I would have worded differently, but in other places I was impressed with the author's writing style. There were details that were not needed to develop the story, that I thought added extra depth to the characters, like how Alessandro was a poor manager or van der Venn's back pain. I would have liked more description of the tablet and how its inscription affected the plot; the author did a decent job, but more would have been better. I loved the Kama's point of view chapters - it was distinct from all the others.
There were some phrases that I would have worded differently, but in other places I was impressed with the author's writing style. There were details that were not needed to develop the story, that I thought added extra depth to the characters, like how Alessandro was a poor manager or van der Venn's back pain. I would have liked more description of the tablet and how its inscription affected the plot; the author did a decent job, but more would have been better. I loved the Kama's point of view chapters - it was distinct from all the others.
January 16, 2018
Fast Track To Glory
Really enjoyed reading this book. Will there be more adventures for Nina? If so put me down to read them. Great storyline with strong heroine and villain. Great description of the different countries visited which drew me into the story even more. A true adventure with a great ending. Thanks for the ride!
Really enjoyed reading this book. Will there be more adventures for Nina? If so put me down to read them. Great storyline with strong heroine and villain. Great description of the different countries visited which drew me into the story even more. A true adventure with a great ending. Thanks for the ride!
February 2, 2016
Fast Track To Glory has a little bit of something for everyone. Nina, a stoic Italian university professor, is drawn into a web of intrigue to face off with a ruthless treasure hunter over an ancient, mystical artifact. Along the way she crosses paths with Alessandro, an Italian hotelier who fancies himself a ladies’ man. The pace is steady from the outset and interest is piqued in the first few pages, though the way in which Chrusciel unravels the tangled web is nothing short of creative genius. The characters are well developed and show a depth not often seen in today’s fiction writing. Additionally, Chrusciel’s imagery is some of the most vivid I’ve seen in a very long time. I found myself able to clearly picture the people and landscapes, smell the fragrances, and taste the unique spices and cuisine.
Overall, I found the characters believable and relatable and the storyline imaginative. I thoroughly enjoyed the pace and the twists. I also appreciated the lack of gory detail in the few instances of violence, as well as the tasteful way more intimate scenes were portrayed. Whether one is looking for action, adventure, mystery, romance or suspense, Fast Track To Glory has it all. Chrusciel’s ability as a writer is on par with some of the best – I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.
Overall, I found the characters believable and relatable and the storyline imaginative. I thoroughly enjoyed the pace and the twists. I also appreciated the lack of gory detail in the few instances of violence, as well as the tasteful way more intimate scenes were portrayed. Whether one is looking for action, adventure, mystery, romance or suspense, Fast Track To Glory has it all. Chrusciel’s ability as a writer is on par with some of the best – I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.
November 18, 2016
Nina Monte is pre-eminent in her field of religious history, so an urgent request to consult with government representatives about a historically significant find discovered at the bottom of Lake Garda is nothing out of the ordinary. However, the oddities about this particular consultation begin to mount swiftly from the odd to the deadly, and Nina finds herself fleeing Italy with a twenty-year old boy under her care, trying to stay one step ahead of an obsessed millionaire willing to do whatever it takes for a chance to live forever...
Fast Track to Glory is a fast-paced thriller that takes the reader on an enthralling journey from Southern Europe to India, woven with local colour and spiced with skillfully-evoked desperation as the pursuit circles closer. Nina Monte is a very relatable protagonist, and her side-kick is a young Italian man, exactly the type that most people have spent time trying to either dodge or discourage at some point, and their unlikely alliance adds a well-written lighter thread to the story. Tomasz Chrusciel's writing displays a depth of knowledge of the areas he locates his stories in that gives the settings a magic all their own, and the historical background provides a solidly believable basis for the book. This was a very readable story, definitely something worth picking up for any thriller readers out there.
Fast Track to Glory is a fast-paced thriller that takes the reader on an enthralling journey from Southern Europe to India, woven with local colour and spiced with skillfully-evoked desperation as the pursuit circles closer. Nina Monte is a very relatable protagonist, and her side-kick is a young Italian man, exactly the type that most people have spent time trying to either dodge or discourage at some point, and their unlikely alliance adds a well-written lighter thread to the story. Tomasz Chrusciel's writing displays a depth of knowledge of the areas he locates his stories in that gives the settings a magic all their own, and the historical background provides a solidly believable basis for the book. This was a very readable story, definitely something worth picking up for any thriller readers out there.
October 22, 2016
BADLY WRITTEN, SUBJECT INTRIGUING AND SHOWS PROMISE.
I was drawn to the cover of this book. And was very disappointed with the content. This book needs a very good editor in order to give the writing some ‘sheen.’ Every page has a syntax error, which made the reading cumbersome. Unfortunately, the book is also littered with irrelevant details that an experienced editor will catch. Still, although badly written, the subject is intriguing and has potential.
I was drawn to the cover of this book. And was very disappointed with the content. This book needs a very good editor in order to give the writing some ‘sheen.’ Every page has a syntax error, which made the reading cumbersome. Unfortunately, the book is also littered with irrelevant details that an experienced editor will catch. Still, although badly written, the subject is intriguing and has potential.
August 5, 2016
I received a free download of this book from Story Cartel, thank you!
I enjoyed this book a lot. It kept my interest throughout the whole story. I especially liked how the author balanced events with both scientific and spiritual explanations, making them equally believable either way.
I would recommend this book to others and I would read more from this author.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It kept my interest throughout the whole story. I especially liked how the author balanced events with both scientific and spiritual explanations, making them equally believable either way.
I would recommend this book to others and I would read more from this author.
July 22, 2018
Decided to read the book because of a holiday on Lake Garda. Very little of the book was actually set in Garda, most of the action occurs in India.
The heroine is quite unbelievably able for a university professor and the villains go from being incredibly organised to a complete shambles in a matter of pages.
Not too bad as a holiday read.
The heroine is quite unbelievably able for a university professor and the villains go from being incredibly organised to a complete shambles in a matter of pages.
Not too bad as a holiday read.
September 26, 2016
The male "hero" was a wimp and sort-a immature, but all worked out in the end.
April 7, 2018
After reading “The Vestals Conspiracy”, I was lucky to have been given the opportunity to read and review the next installment, or actually the first real installment in The Nina Monte Mystery Thriller Series. I must say that it was not a disappointment at all. On the contrary, it was a fast paced novel, with action on every page. Fans of Dean Brown will for sure appreciate this book, but not only them. I am not part of this category, but I do like a good adventure novel, with intrigue and a dose of mystery.
Nina Monte is an exceptional professor of ancient religions and many seek her advice in matters related to relics or proving the authenticity of artifacts. This is why she is called to attend a meeting in Germany. She is to find a man named van der Venn and decide upon the authenticity of his discovery. She is not given any details at all and this entices her more. So she starts a journey to Italy, then Austria to finally arrive in India.
Crime, bribery and danger are what follow her in her adventures. She meets Alessandro Pini who will accompany her and together they will shed light on what is really going on. Tomasz Chrusciel has this amazing ability to turn things around with every page, all the while keeping the reader captivated by all the twists in the plot. The description of places, the abundance of characters and point of views are just some other things that make this story exceptional.
The journey is not only a race to decipher the meaning of the mysterious artifact, but as well one of self-discovery. Nina works with facts, with things that have a logical explanation, that can be proved. But she will be united with the spiritual aspect of her personality. Alessandro is not the bravest person in the world, he is not even a good runner. But by the end of the book, he will be a worthy companion to Nina. There is a little romance going on, ignited by the adrenalin mostly.
This is a series worth following for sure. A new book will be released this year so I am looking forward for it. But you guys should check both “The Vestals Conspiracy” and “Fast Track to Glory”. Both books have religious discoveries and both books are amazing! Enjoy :)
Nina Monte is an exceptional professor of ancient religions and many seek her advice in matters related to relics or proving the authenticity of artifacts. This is why she is called to attend a meeting in Germany. She is to find a man named van der Venn and decide upon the authenticity of his discovery. She is not given any details at all and this entices her more. So she starts a journey to Italy, then Austria to finally arrive in India.
Crime, bribery and danger are what follow her in her adventures. She meets Alessandro Pini who will accompany her and together they will shed light on what is really going on. Tomasz Chrusciel has this amazing ability to turn things around with every page, all the while keeping the reader captivated by all the twists in the plot. The description of places, the abundance of characters and point of views are just some other things that make this story exceptional.
The journey is not only a race to decipher the meaning of the mysterious artifact, but as well one of self-discovery. Nina works with facts, with things that have a logical explanation, that can be proved. But she will be united with the spiritual aspect of her personality. Alessandro is not the bravest person in the world, he is not even a good runner. But by the end of the book, he will be a worthy companion to Nina. There is a little romance going on, ignited by the adrenalin mostly.
This is a series worth following for sure. A new book will be released this year so I am looking forward for it. But you guys should check both “The Vestals Conspiracy” and “Fast Track to Glory”. Both books have religious discoveries and both books are amazing! Enjoy :)
May 31, 2017
Shades of the DaVinci Code. This book has a similar concept - holy artifact that could potentially destroy the world sought by forces for good and for evil.
IDK this one just didn't quite get it for me. The male protagonist is a wannabe ladies man, and an immature hotelier. The female protagonist is an university professor and expert in her field of religious artifacts known for being in high demand worldwide due to her expertise. The romance these two fell into just didn't work for me - and it was obvious the sex scene was written by a man who has no idea what a woman feels during a sexual encounter.
The villain was very villainous, the heroes sure did their best. There was a fair bit of action and being on the run. The climactic scenes fell kind of flat for me.
I love a good adventure and this had promise, but it just didn't work for me.
IDK this one just didn't quite get it for me. The male protagonist is a wannabe ladies man, and an immature hotelier. The female protagonist is an university professor and expert in her field of religious artifacts known for being in high demand worldwide due to her expertise. The romance these two fell into just didn't work for me - and it was obvious the sex scene was written by a man who has no idea what a woman feels during a sexual encounter.
The villain was very villainous, the heroes sure did their best. There was a fair bit of action and being on the run. The climactic scenes fell kind of flat for me.
I love a good adventure and this had promise, but it just didn't work for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2017
3.5 stars. Fast Track To Glory is the first book in the Nina Monte Mystery Thriller series. It is also the first book by Tomasz Crusciel that I have read so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was an interesting suspense thriller. This is a standalone without a cliffhanger. Though the story is open-ended for future books. There is violence.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that all info here. The author did a good job of explaining what is going on and describing the characters and the settings of the story. The beginning part of the book really grabbed my attention. Though there are some slow parts, stick with it to see what happens.
I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to leave a review for other readers.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that all info here. The author did a good job of explaining what is going on and describing the characters and the settings of the story. The beginning part of the book really grabbed my attention. Though there are some slow parts, stick with it to see what happens.
I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to leave a review for other readers.
March 24, 2018
A Weak Premise. A Far Fetched Story. An Implausible Plot. And I Still Loved It
The story the author tells is based on a weak and implausible plot line. Still he developed his characters and described it the romantic settings with such skill that enjoyed the ride he took you on. The basis for the plot lacked substance and had you wondering about where it would end up. Unfortunately he never provides explanations or a satisfying conclusion. This is in part I am sure to build a foundation for the sequels.
Still the character and location descriptions are written with a skill that brings you into the story and enjoying the thrills of the heroine and hero’s journey.
Not a great book but a thoroughly enjoyable read. I look forward to the sequel.
The story the author tells is based on a weak and implausible plot line. Still he developed his characters and described it the romantic settings with such skill that enjoyed the ride he took you on. The basis for the plot lacked substance and had you wondering about where it would end up. Unfortunately he never provides explanations or a satisfying conclusion. This is in part I am sure to build a foundation for the sequels.
Still the character and location descriptions are written with a skill that brings you into the story and enjoying the thrills of the heroine and hero’s journey.
Not a great book but a thoroughly enjoyable read. I look forward to the sequel.
October 3, 2017
Fast paced thriller
I received this book from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked this book because of the descriptions of the exotic loacles and cultures. This is a fast paced mystery thriller that takes the reader on a journey of discovery with professor Nina Monte, who is similar to Indianna Jones, a professor of ancient cultures and religions. The experience of reading this book was that of a grand adventure. This book is full of intrigue, suspense, action, and colorful characters and cultures. If you enjoy a bit of action and thrills in your mysteries then you will love this book.
I received this book from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked this book because of the descriptions of the exotic loacles and cultures. This is a fast paced mystery thriller that takes the reader on a journey of discovery with professor Nina Monte, who is similar to Indianna Jones, a professor of ancient cultures and religions. The experience of reading this book was that of a grand adventure. This book is full of intrigue, suspense, action, and colorful characters and cultures. If you enjoy a bit of action and thrills in your mysteries then you will love this book.
November 16, 2017
I was provided with a free copy and have chosen to share my review. I had high hopes for this book based on the blurb, but unfortunately the writing/editing style did not keep me engaged. There were whole sections that really dragged on, and I thought in general that the way the story was framed could have been handled a lot better. There was too much of a similarity to Dan Brown, who, in my opinion, is a terrible writer. This author is certainly more talented, but needs to be careful not to fall into the same hole Dan Brown did - rehashing the same, tired trope over and over, and bringing nothing new to the table(t).
December 6, 2017
Fast Track To Glory is a well-written mystery that’s moving along at a fast clip with plenty of action based on a well thought out plot. I especially like the way the bad guys are portrayed, they are real strong characters and are in fact a stronger support for the storyline than the two main characters.
There is plenty of action and quite a bit of violence, but none of it gratuitous. The plot is on the whole fairly credible. Towards the end it takes a bit of a dip when the author is flirting a bit with magic realism and also starts to moralise somewhat but it does not take away too much from the quality of the book.
A good read, that when you start you won’t want to put down.
There is plenty of action and quite a bit of violence, but none of it gratuitous. The plot is on the whole fairly credible. Towards the end it takes a bit of a dip when the author is flirting a bit with magic realism and also starts to moralise somewhat but it does not take away too much from the quality of the book.
A good read, that when you start you won’t want to put down.
October 7, 2017
I received a free eBook and voluntarily chose to review it. Actually, I personally selected it because the blurb sounded awesome. I was not disappointed. So many plot twists, red herrings, and epiphanies in this adventure thriller. I was mentally entrapped and enraptured the entire time. An excellent first in a series.
December 12, 2017
If you love a fast paced adventure this is the book or you. The action and suspense keep the story going and you cannot wait to see what happens next. This is a solid story that keeps your interest. I highly recommend this book.
November 4, 2017
Fun Adventure Read
This is a good, well developed story with characters that I could love/hate appropriately. The story moved along well and is fast paced with sometimes overly descriptive passages. Overall, I'll recommend this and look for more by this author.
This is a good, well developed story with characters that I could love/hate appropriately. The story moved along well and is fast paced with sometimes overly descriptive passages. Overall, I'll recommend this and look for more by this author.
January 30, 2018
I like this book as the characters and the environment are well described and evocative.
A new historic mystery to solve and new place to visit in a plot that will entertainment you until the last page!
I received a gift copy of this book, and this is my voluntary and honest review.
A new historic mystery to solve and new place to visit in a plot that will entertainment you until the last page!
I received a gift copy of this book, and this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 8, 2018
I only gave four stars to this book because of all the grammatical errors. In spite of all that, I found the action and storyline pretty good. I will be willing to read more that the author has to offer, because I found the lead character realistic and entertaining. The ending will keep you in suspense, because of what happens and what might have happened.
June 15, 2017
So-So
Started out well, by halfway it was loosening credibility ,at three quarters it was out of characterization, believability and became jumbled romance.
Started out well, by halfway it was loosening credibility ,at three quarters it was out of characterization, believability and became jumbled romance.
December 27, 2017
Fast track
What a thrilling read. I loved the characters in this book.I hope to read more books in this series. Exciting book.
What a thrilling read. I loved the characters in this book.I hope to read more books in this series. Exciting book.
January 8, 2018
Just ok
Disappointing. Didn't care about main character, Nina. One dimensional, flat and unappealing. Not interested in further reading of the series.
Disappointing. Didn't care about main character, Nina. One dimensional, flat and unappealing. Not interested in further reading of the series.
July 14, 2018
Fast read!
Enjoyed this fast paced novel. It moved along so quickly that I had to 're-read some of the passages. The twists at end made me eager for the next book.
Enjoyed this fast paced novel. It moved along so quickly that I had to 're-read some of the passages. The twists at end made me eager for the next book.
August 11, 2018
I couldn’t bring myself to care about any of the characters, and the plot was frankly ludicrous. I’m not usually critical, but definitely would not recommend this book.
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